KEY POINTS

  • A Boston Red Sox reunion with Craig Kimbrel may not make sense
  • Kimbrel may be better off joining the Astros or Athletics 
  • Matt Barnes has been on a roll for the Red Sox

The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching, and one name that has been making rounds is Craig Kimbrel.

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly in the market to trade the 33-year-old with teams like the Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics being mentioned.

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, an unnamed high-ranking MLB official suggested that the Boston Red Sox may be a natural landing spot for the eight-time All-Star.

However, he backtracked a bit and believed that it may all boil down to the Astros and Athletics.

Either way, the unnamed insider stressed that Kimbrel will be one of the most sought-after in the trade market before the deadline on July 31.

The idea of seeing Kimbrel in a Red Sox uniform once again seems to be a good sight to see, but would it be ideal to have him back with Matt Barnes rising to the occasion?

Chaim Bloom may not want to alter something that is doing good. Kimbrel is doing fine with the Cubs. He owns a 0.59 ERA through 30.2 innings of work with a 0.652 WHIP, while also averaging 15.9 K/9.

That alone makes him a valuable addition to any team, but for Boston, it defeats the purpose of honing Barnes to be its top pitcher.

Since being named the Red Sox’s closer, Barnes responded with a 2.68 ERA in 37 innings with an 0.865 WHIP.

His exploits have earned him a ticket to the All-Star game, where he will represent Boston.

Craig Kimbrel
Tampa Bay Rays could be working out something with Craig Kimbrel. Closing pitcher Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after giving up a solo home run to Enrique Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers (not in photo) in the ninth inning in Game Four of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images/Harry How

With both players having a good season, a comparison is merited. If one looks closely, Barnes is leading a bit especially if one considers who can shut the game down.

Kimbrel sits at 20 saves, while Barnes is at 19.

But worth noting is that Kimbrel takes the day with only a pair of blown saves compared to Barnes’ four.

It would make sense for Boston to have more talent on the roster. But with the Red Sox doing well, a reunion with Kimbrel may prove to be detrimental.

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